Most think Brexit vote has made things worse

More than half of all Britons believe the country’s position in the world and economy have got worse since the vote to leave the European Union, a poll has found.

With the political system plunged into turmoil and Chancellor George Osborne declaring an economic shock, seven per cent of Leave voters now regret their decision to back Brexit, according to the Opinium research.

A week after the result was announced the effect is already trickling through as more than a fifth (21 per cent) of Britons are feeling a deterioration in their personal finances.

Voters are now considering what the country should do next and a clear majority (60 per cent) think there should be a general election before negotiations begin with the EU.

But they are split on what the negotiating priority should be, with a third marking immigration controls as their number one issue but 37 per cent insisting staying in the single market takes precedence.

And in a sign of the dilemma facing the next prime minister, 43 per cent say it is unlikely the UK can both stay in the single market and limit freedom of movement, in order to control immigration.

Adam Drummond, from Opinium Research, said: “The UK is just as divided post-referendum as it was pre-referendum with voters split on what the UK’s relationship with the EU should be after we leave and what the priority should be in the ensuing negotiations.

“Remain voters want the Government to prioritise staying part of the EU’s single market while Leave voters are keen to end free movement between the UK and the EU and both priorities are likely to be mutually exclusive.”

Opinium Research carried out an online survey of 2,001 UK adults from June 28 to June 30. Results have been weighted to representative criteria.

A separate poll for the Evening Standard showed similar results - with more than half of respondents backing a general election this year once the Tories have chosen a new leader.

The BMG Research survey of 1,016 UK adults also showed that the referendum result would be reversed if it were held today.